The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested four individuals in connection with an organized retail theft operation responsible for targeting businesses across the greater Tampa Bay area.
Between June 1 and July 1, 2026, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Organized Retail Theft Unit identified a group responsible for committing thefts at multiple retailers throughout the region. Detectives determined the suspects concealed merchandise and exited stores without paying before delivering the stolen property to a residence where it was resold.
As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Adonys Diaz Suarez, 37, Ariel Serrano Suarez, 40, and Diosvelys Morales Torres, 34, who were identified as the individuals responsible for committing the retail thefts.
Diaz Suarez, Serrano Suarez, and Morales Torres were each charged* with:
- Conspiracy to Engage in Racketeering
- Organized Retail Theft
- Dealing in Stolen Property (x6)
During the investigation, detectives also identified a residence in the 6900 block of North Thatcher Avenue as the location where the stolen merchandise was being fenced. Detectives determined Armando Quintana, 49, was purchasing the stolen merchandise from the suspects before reselling it online and directly to customers. An arrest warrant was obtained for Quintana.
On the morning of July 9, 2026, detectives arrested Quintana at his residence and served a court-authorized search warrant at the home.
During the search, detectives recovered nearly $300,000 worth of stolen merchandise, including hard liquor stolen from Sam's Club and Walmart, clothing from Lululemon and Victoria's Secret, and high-end fragrances stolen from multiple retailers.
Detectives also located approximately 60 grams of cocaine, approximately 39 grams of methamphetamine, one handgun, one rifle, and over $3,500 in U.S. currency.
Quintana was charged with:
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- Trafficking in Cocaine
- Conspiracy to Engage in Racketeering
- Dealing in Stolen Property (x6)
- Possession of Controlled Substance
Following the arrests, HCSO detectives worked closely with the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor as prosecutors reviewed the case and filed additional charges, including Conspiracy to Engage in Racketeering.
"This case is a prime example of the sophisticated criminal enterprises our detectives are dismantling every day," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Organized retail theft drives up costs for businesses and consumers while fueling other criminal activity in our community. Thanks to the relentless work of our Organized Retail Theft Unit and our partnerships with retailers, we've shut down a major fencing operation, recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, and taken dangerous drugs and firearms off our streets."
"Organized retail theft is a sophisticated criminal scheme that targets Florida retailers across multiple counties and drives up costs for consumers," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "I commend the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and our Office of Statewide Prosecution for dismantling this multi-county operation and recovering nearly $300,000 in stolen merchandise. These defendants face serious charges, and my office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
The investigation remains active, and any additional information will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
Within this press release, the Public Affairs Office has included an interview with Sheriff Chad Chronister as well as b-roll for media use.
*NOTE: The charges listed in this release reflect those filed by the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor on July 28, 2026. They may differ from the charges currently displayed in the arrest inquiry system.
